KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICE OF SEXUAL COERCION ON YOUNG FEMALES IN NEKEMTE TOWN, WEST ETHIOPIA

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Despite growing recognition of sexual coercion globally, relatively little is known in developing countries. Assessment of the knowledge, sexual behavior, experience and related reproductive health problems of young people is critically important. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice related to sexual coercion among young females in Nekemte Town.

METHODS AND MATERIALS: Cross-sectional community based study was conducted using both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. A sample of 641 young females aged 10- 24 years was taken from 3 kebeles by systematic sampling procedure. Quantitative data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Qualitative data were collected using Focus Group Discussion. The data were entered into a computer and analyzed using SPSS for windows version 12.0.1.

RESULTS: A total of 641 study subjects were enrolled making a response rate of 97.7%. The study showed that 540 (84.2%) had awareness on sexual coercion and 429(66.9%) had knowledge about the types of sexual coercion, illegality and punishment stated on Criminal Law of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia about rape. The prevalence of sexual coercion at sexual debut was 90(14.0%) among all respondents and 90(39.1%) among those who were sexually active. Lifetime sexual coercion was 101(15.8%) and 101(43.5%) for all respondents and for those who were sexually active, respectively. Five hundred six (93.0%) of the respondents mentioned sexual coercion as an illegal act and 564 (88.0%) claimed the perpetrators should be responsible for the act. Though 610 (95.0%) of the young females had negative attitude towards sexual coercion, few supported the idea of forcing a female to have sexual intercourse if she is a wife 29 (4.5%), girl friend 14 (2.2%), and if a man spends a lot of money on her 18 (2.8%). Peer pressures, financial problems of females, low women's status, cultural norms in the society and drinking alcoholic beverages as well as chewing What' were perceived factors of sexual coercion in the study community.

CONCLUSION: Sexual coercion is a major public health problem affecting large proportion of young females in the study area that has to be addressed through interventions targeting on the different segments of the community. Though the majority had awareness on sexual coercion, nearly two-third had knowledge about legal issues related to sexual coercion. Cultural misconceptions and attitudes that approve the act under certain social circumstances are also be prevalent.

Emerging program interventions on Reproductive Health, particularly on sexuality, and HIV/AIDS by various stakeholders need to take this problem in to consideration. Interventions targeting the social and behavioral factors leading to these problems need to be instituted to curb the problem.